G
Guest
·currently own a 1999 TJ 2.5 AX-5 and am very impressed with the suspension,
live front axle, frame, gearing, exstensive skid plates, utility, looks easy to work
on,fair gas mileage etc. etc. I basically chose strength and durability over the
"comfortable ride". I was originally considerng a New Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Pick
Up, but chose against it because initial impresstions told me that they had
cheesed on the frame over the previouse model (thinner metal).
My situation is this; I use the vehilce for remote camping/exploring and have to
carry certain stuff with me for safety reasons. Broken transmissions get people in
alot of trouble in boonies. Though I can deal with the rediculously low 400 lbs
cargo carrying capacity (when you consider the two drivers), everything fits and
the car drives fine.
The problem is this; on too many occasions I have had people (Jeepers & people
selling Jeep parts) tell me that my transmission & rear differential is "adequete"
for mild to moderate off road use. I was told that eventually, it will get harder to
get the trans in gear. I have been recommended replacing the trans with either a
T-18 or NV4500 ($4000). Not what I wanted to hear. Now, I know the saying "It's
not what you buy, it's what you build", but according to sources, both of these
trans weigh around 150lbs more than my existing trans. That leave you with 250
lbs cargo capacity; not much. Now the Dana 44 ($2600)might increase payload,
might need to upgrade to disc brakes($300)? Regear the diff's($200) so I can run
31's to make up for the loss in clearance of the 44, new lift to accomidate larger
tires ($800)and the lowering of transfer case. So, after I spent close to $8,000, I
may or may not have a vehicle that will carry the weight & won't over work the
trans and differentials.
Or, I can trade in the rig for a '95 Toyota (good years?), get money back,
additional 700lbs payload, 30 spline rear axle standard, good trans, even better
gas mileage, stock-so I don't need an index to figure out what parts to buy.
Unfortunately, it doesn't have solid front axle & the skid plates.
I don't want to sell, but I don't want to go broke trying to build the vehicle, keep
rebuilding the trans, and I don't want to have to walk out of the dessert. I can deal
with the rear diff, but the trans??
Trying to Keep Jeeping
Scott
live front axle, frame, gearing, exstensive skid plates, utility, looks easy to work
on,fair gas mileage etc. etc. I basically chose strength and durability over the
"comfortable ride". I was originally considerng a New Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Pick
Up, but chose against it because initial impresstions told me that they had
cheesed on the frame over the previouse model (thinner metal).
My situation is this; I use the vehilce for remote camping/exploring and have to
carry certain stuff with me for safety reasons. Broken transmissions get people in
alot of trouble in boonies. Though I can deal with the rediculously low 400 lbs
cargo carrying capacity (when you consider the two drivers), everything fits and
the car drives fine.
The problem is this; on too many occasions I have had people (Jeepers & people
selling Jeep parts) tell me that my transmission & rear differential is "adequete"
for mild to moderate off road use. I was told that eventually, it will get harder to
get the trans in gear. I have been recommended replacing the trans with either a
T-18 or NV4500 ($4000). Not what I wanted to hear. Now, I know the saying "It's
not what you buy, it's what you build", but according to sources, both of these
trans weigh around 150lbs more than my existing trans. That leave you with 250
lbs cargo capacity; not much. Now the Dana 44 ($2600)might increase payload,
might need to upgrade to disc brakes($300)? Regear the diff's($200) so I can run
31's to make up for the loss in clearance of the 44, new lift to accomidate larger
tires ($800)and the lowering of transfer case. So, after I spent close to $8,000, I
may or may not have a vehicle that will carry the weight & won't over work the
trans and differentials.
Or, I can trade in the rig for a '95 Toyota (good years?), get money back,
additional 700lbs payload, 30 spline rear axle standard, good trans, even better
gas mileage, stock-so I don't need an index to figure out what parts to buy.
Unfortunately, it doesn't have solid front axle & the skid plates.
I don't want to sell, but I don't want to go broke trying to build the vehicle, keep
rebuilding the trans, and I don't want to have to walk out of the dessert. I can deal
with the rear diff, but the trans??
Trying to Keep Jeeping
Scott
